Boxing: Champion Abraham to take on Stieglitz in WBO rematch

Armenian-German super middleweight boxer Arthur Abraham. AFP

BERLIN – World WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham will defend his title with a rematch against German compatriot Robert Stieglitz on March 23.

Abraham, 32, won a unanimous decision victory over Stieglitz in Berlin last August and has offered Stieglitz a rematch in his home city of Magdeburg, central Germany.

“For me it is a question of honor”, said Berlin-resident Abraham.

“Robert was brave enough to face me in my backyard. Now I am travelling to Magdeburg to face him in his.”

Stieglitz earned a rematch with a third-round knock-out of Poland’s Michal Nieroda in Barcelona on Saturday and is now focused on winning back his title.

“Somehow I wasn’t able to fight to my full potential during my first fight against Arthur,” said the 31-year-old.

“After I suffered cuts, I couldn’t get back into it. It just was not my day. But that will not happen again.”